Gloria Potter looked up as JD hurried past the store. She’d seen the young man several times during the day, but something had certainly put a burr in his saddle and she hurried to the door in time to see him wave down Vin Tanner and Nathan Jackson. She stood in her doorway, using her broom to sweep at the dust and listened in on the men’s conversation.

 

“Vin, Nathan, got a wire from a place called Swift Creek!” the sheriff called.

 

“Never heard of it,” Jackson said.

 

“Little burg south of here near Busted Pass,” Tanner explained. “Who’s it from?”

 

“Ezra. Says Chris is hurt and they would be delayed for a couple of weeks.”

 

“Does he say how bad?” Jackson asked.

 

“Just says he’s hurt and that there’s a doctor and she’s…”

 

“She?” Vin asked curiously, a somewhat amused expression on his face.

 

“Yep, she’s looking after him.”

 

“Did ya send an answer?” Tanner asked.

 

“Not yet. Wanted to see if ya had a message for him,” Dunne answered.

 

“Ask how bad Chris is hurt and if they need any of us ta come down there!” Jackson told him as they walked towards the saloon.

 

“Maybe you should go anyway, Nate,” Tanner suggested.

 

“Why?” Jackson asked.

 

“Well, if’n Chris is hurt ain’t no woman gonna keep ‘im in bed,” Tanner joked, knowing Standish would’ve said more if Chris was badly hurt.

 

“Yah, he ain’t like Buck, any woman could keep ‘im in bed!” Dunne said as his hat was knocked off his head.

 

“That’s because of my animal magnetism, Son. Somethin’ you obviously don’t have. Now why’re ya talking ‘bout me and women? You need more lessons?”

 

“No, Buck, but maybe I could teach you a thing or two,” Dunne said as Sanchez joined them.

 

“Better listen to the sheriff, Buck. Women find men who wear a badge highly exciting,” Sanchez said. “Would you boys care to join me for a drink?”

 

“Sounds like a plan, Josiah,” Jackson said as they nodded to Gloria Potter and walked towards the saloon. “So, JD, what was in the wire?”

 

“It was from Ezra. Chris got himself hurt….”

 

“What? How bad?”

 

“Easy, Buck, Ezra didn’t say how bad just that they’d be held up a couple of weeks. JD’s gonna send a message and see if we’re needed,” Jackson explained.

 

“Is there a doctor?” Sanchez asked as they entered the saloon.

 

“As a matter of fact there is,” Tanner said with a grin.

 

“What’s funny?” Wilmington asked.

 

“The doctor is a woman,” Dunne answered.

 

“A woman. Damn, why is he always the lucky one,” the gentle rogue said as he plunked his hat down on the bar.

 

“Lucky? How is getting hurt lucky?” Jackson asked.

 

“Getting hurt ain’t lucky, Nate, but having a woman doctor, probably the only woman doctor in the country looking after you is lucky. No offense meant.” Wilmington answered.

 

“None taken. I have a feeling a lot more men would visit the doctor if he knew she was pretty. Wouldn’t matter to ‘em if she was good at her job or not,” Jackson observed knowing how hard women worked to prove they could do a job. Things were changing, but progress was still slow. There were people in Four Corners who didn’t think Mary Travis should own the newspaper, yet she’d proven herself time and again. The only mark he held against her was that she’d used a man’s reputation to get rid of the ‘bad element’. Chris had since proven he wasn’t one of the so-called ‘bad element’, but there were those in town who still didn’t trust them.

 

“Are you okay, Brother?” Sanchez asked.

 

“Yeah, I’m fine, Josiah, just thinking how things are changing.”

 

“Ah, progress? Sometimes it’s a mighty fine thing,” Sanchez said and smiled as he handed Jackson a glass of whiskey. He knew JD would send a wire to Swift Creek and they’d have to wait to hear just how badly Chris Larabee was hurt. Until then their job was to look out for their own town and they were expecting a bunch of ranch hands who were celebrating the end of a drive. He knew the drink he had in his hand would be the only one he would have until the drovers left town and things returned to normal.

 

“Well, here’s to an easy night,” Dunne said hopefully.

 

“And a whole lot of Divine Intervention, Son,” Sanchez said as each man finished his drink and left to get some rest before the rowdy men arrived.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra watched his friend closely as Jennifer O’Neil cared for the wound in Larabee’s back. He knew the blond was awake and wished there was something he could do to help ease his torment, but there was nothing more he could do than to hold the injured man in place.

 

“Chris, I’m going to need to drain…”

 

“S…shit,” the blond cursed under his breath as he heard her explain what she had to do. He felt a cloth placed beside his back and cried out as she pressed against the wound and sent shards of pain lancing through his lower back.

 

“Just hang on, Chris…”

 

“E…easy f…for you t…to s…say,” Larabee ground out as he tried to remain still. He swallowed several times as he fought back the darkness threatening to pull him under.

 

“I’m almost finished,” O’Neil assured him sympathetically as she pressed against the wound, releasing the bloodied pus and wiping it away with the cloth. Once she was sure the infection had been drained she cleaned the area with water laced with carbolic and finally pressed a clean cloth against the wound. Once she had it secured she motioned for Ezra to ease him back on the pillows and wished there was something she could do to relieve the fever raging through him.

 

“T…thanks, D…doc,” Larabee whispered through dry lips.

 

“I’m sorry, Chris, I know that has to hurt, but I have to keep the wound drained or risk a serious infection.”

 

“I…I k…know,” Larabee wheezed as he began to get his breathing under control.

 

“I can give you a shot of morphine if the pain’s too bad,” she explained, wishing Chet would get back with the extra supplies she needed. Since finding Andrew Cross injured her supply of morphine was rapidly being depleted. She’d given him two shots of the narcotic already, and there was maybe enough left to give this man some relief.

 

“O…okay r…right now,” Larabee assured her, but the lines of strain told her he was lying.

 

“You’re a stubborn man, Chris Larabee.”

 

“B…been told t…that a time or t…two,” the blond said, managing a pale smile as the woman reached for the glass of water on the table. He took several sips, relishing the moisture as it eased the fire burning through his mouth and throat. He knew he had to go slow or risk losing the small amount he managed to get inside his body. Closing his eyes he frowned as a memory fought to the front of his fevered mind. Forcing his eyes open once more he looked at the physician and tried to speak. “B…Billy s…shot?”

 

“No, Billy hasn’t been shot, Chris. His brother was.”

 

“He o…okay?”

 

“He will be if he stays in bed,” O’Neil explained and relaxed as her patient finally found some relief in sleep.

 

“Doc, I can look out for him if you want to check your other patient,” Standish offered and reached for a clean cloth to place on Larabee’s forehead.

 

“I’ll check on him and then I’m going to get some sleep, Ezra. If you think he’s getting any hotter come get me!”

 

“I will,” Standish assured her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andrew Cross languished in the comfort of his own bed. He knew he was at home and that his wound had been tended to by Jennifer O’Neil, but he could not let on that he wasn’t hurt as badly as they thought. He listened as Billy and Rose talked about him, silently cursing as his sister in law continued to try to ease her husband’s conscience. He needed Billy on his side and would do anything to make sure his brother believed his story. He forced groan past his lips and made a show of trying to open his eyes.

 

“Andy, just lie still, okay?”

 

“B…Billy?”

 

“I’m right here, Little Brother. Just take it easy. You were shot but Dr. O’Neil is taking care of you.”

 

“S…shot? Who? How?”

 

“We were hoping you could tell us,” Rose said as she sat on the edge of the bed.

 

“I don’t…I can’t remember? Who shot me?”

 

“Whoever stole the money.”

 

“Money!” Andy tried to come off the bed as his eyes widened and he swallowed painfully. “God, Billy, Rose, h…he… they stole the money.”

 

“Did you get a look at them?” Billy asked.

 

“Y…yeah…two of ‘em. H…heard ‘em talkin’ ta each other. N…names…”

 

“You heard their names?” Rose asked incredulously.

 

“Y…yeah…think so. One was called Chris…”

 

Rose looked at her husband as they waited for the second name. She saw the same look on his face that she knew was on her own.

 

“…o…other one w…was Ezra….think I…I heard S…Standish…”

 

“Are you sure about this, Andy?” Billy asked, unable to believe they were harboring the very men who robbed his brother.

 

“Y…yeah. I saw ‘em and heard ‘em, Billy. They done it! They took ever’thin’ and s…shot me! T…think I m…might have h…hit one of ‘em as he was ridin’ a…away. C…can’t be sure…happened s…so d…damn fast,” Andy explained and cried out as if in pain. His eyes closed and he fought to remain still and pretend sleep.

 

“Easy, Andy, just lie still. Rose have one of the boys ride into town for Emmett!”

 

“You don’t think? Surely, Billy, you don’t believe those two men did this?” Rose demanded.

 

“I don’t know what to believe, Rose. Andy’s story has a ring of truth to it. He said he thought he hit one of them as they were riding off and Larabee shows up here with a bullet in his back.”

 

“Billy, where are you going?” Rose asked as she followed her husband out of the bedroom.

 

“I’m going to see what Standish has to say about it!”

 

“Billy, maybe you should wait until Emmett gets here!”

 

“No, Rose, I won’t give them a chance to escape!”

 

“Escape! Billy, be reasonable. Chris Larabee was shot in the back! He’s burning up with fever, has a broken arm and at least three broken ribs. Not to mention the cuts and bruises…”

 

“Would you two mind keeping it down,” Jennifer O’Neil warned as she exited the room she’d been resting in. She saw the anger on Billy’s face and understood something had happened. “What’s wrong?”

 

“Andy was awake and he told us a little more about what happened to him. He said he shot whoever robbed him in the back,” Rose explained.

 

“And you think it was Chris?” the physician asked.

 

“It sure looks that way. The timing is right and so are the circumstances.”

 

“Billy, are you sure you’re not just trying to find a way to save your brother from himself again?” O’Neil asked and knew she’d overstepped her bounds when anger once more flared in his eyes.

 

“Why is everyone so quick to think the worst of Andy? He’s my brother, damn it and I can’t help hoping he’s telling me the truth! I figure the best way to find out is to ask Larabee and Standish about it!” Billy told them and walked towards the closed door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andy overheard the conversation outside his door, and was shocked to realize Larabee and Standish were there already. The fact that Larabee was shot in the back would lend credence to his own story and all he needed to do was keep his story straight. He knew the bodies of Jacob and Hank would be discovered and he could easily cover that by telling them Jacob and Hank were either in on the robbery or were killed by Larabee and Standish. He smiled inwardly at how easily he could manipulate his brother, but the others would need convincing. Straining to hear what was going on he felt like laughing when he heard his brother’s words and knew Billy was on his side. Turning on his right side he kept his eyes closed and a sense of calm relief played through his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra heard the commotion outside the room and glanced at the sleeping man before hurrying to the door and pulling it open.

 

“Is there something wrong?”

 

“Maybe, Standish! Would you care to tell me how Larabee really got shot?” Cross asked angrily.

 

“I’ve already been through this, but if you insist I shall endeavor to relate the events once more,” Standish explained.

 

“Look, I’ve already heard the story, so if you’ll excuse me I’ll check on my patient,” O’Neil said and brushed past the gambler into the room where Larabee lay bathed in sweat.

 

“Rose, go tell Dave to send someone into town for the sheriff,” Billy ordered as he motioned for Standish to follow him downstairs and into the kitchen. “Now, are you sure you want to tell me the same shit you told Rose and Jenny?”

 

“I have told the truth to all of you. Would you care to enlighten me as to the reason for your anger?”

 

“My brother was shot by a couple of robbers who took the payroll deposit before he reached the bank.”

 

“I am sorry to hear of your brother’s problems, but neither Chris Larabee nor myself are involved in such wrongdoings.”

 

“Well, that’s where the problem lies, Standish. My brother says he was robbed by two men and that he shot one of them in the back. He overheard them talking and caught their names…”

 

“I’m afraid I don’t understand. Chris was shot by one of several men who thought I cheated in a card game in Swift Creek. There are plenty of witnesses to the fact that I won the final hand and that the man I beat was a sore loser.”

 

“Andy…”

 

“Andy!” Standish suddenly understood the trouble they were in as he heard the name of his accused.

 

“Yes, Andy’s my brother’s name and…”

 

“Oh, Lord,” Standish said and sank into the chair beside the kitchen table. “I do believe your brother is trying to hide the fact that he lost your money in a card game.”

 

“What?” Cross asked and suddenly realized Andy may have pulled one over on him once more, but until they found out the truth he needed to make sure this man did not escape. “I need to ask for your gun.”

 

“My gun?”

 

“Yes, and Larabee’s too. Look, until I get some answers I need to make sure you don’t leave before Emmett arrives.”

 

“Chris is in no shape to be moved and I certainly wouldn’t leave without him.”

 

“That may be true and I wish I could believe you, but until I have some answers I can’t take that chance.”

 

“All right, but there were two other men with your brother when he followed us. Perhaps they can shed some light on what happened.”

 

“Maybe, but for now it’s Andy’s word against yours and he may not be the most trustworthy person, but he is still my brother,” Cross said and accepted the gun from the other man.

 

“I need your promise that Andy does not get anywhere near Chris.”

 

“I told you my brother was shot and there’s no way he’ll be out of bed for a few days.”

 

“I would still like your word that he stays away from Chris.”

 

“All right, you have my word,” Cross agreed and placed the guns in the chest of drawers behind the table.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra returned to Chris’ room to find the doctor fighting with the injured man. He’d seen Larabee in the throes of feverish nightmares before and knew it was happening again. Hurrying into the room he moved to the opposite side of the bed and reached for the blond’s upper body.

 

“Sarah! God, no! Hot!”

 

“Be careful!” O’Neil ordered as she watched the gambler restrain the injured man.

 

“Easy, Chris, you are safe!” Standish explained as Larabee’s heated pleas for help echoed loudly in the room. His body suddenly went limp in the conman’s arms and he quickly looked towards the doctor for any sign that his friend was okay.

 

“He’s still with us, but he’s probably torn open the wound in his back. Lift him forward,” the physician ordered and heard footsteps behind her.

 

“What’s happening?” Rose asked as Larabee began struggling once more.

 

“His fever is getting worse! Hold him still, Ezra!” O’Neil explained breathlessly as she reached for a strip of material and quickly wrapped it around Larabee’s wrist and attached it to the bedpost. She quickly passed another one to Rose and ordered her to tie Larabee’s left ankle to the post while she took care of his right.

 

“Chris, you’re all right!” Ezra soothed as he tried not to hurt the fevered man.

 

“No! Damn you! Let me go!” His eyes were wild as he searched the room through the burning flames only he could see. Desperation made him strong as he felt someone restraining him and his mind latched onto the memory of another time, another place. “Let me go!”

 

“Lay still, Chris!” Standish tried as he turned Larabee slightly on his left side as O’Neil began checking the bullet wound.

 

“Buck! NO! S…Sarah…h…have to s…save her…ADAM!” He reacted instinctively to the cries that only he heard and fought with everything he had, but his arms and legs were held immobile.

 

“SH, Chris, it’s Ezra. You’re safe.”

 

“Fire…God help t…them …I c…can save t…them! J…just let m…me go, B…Buck! Let me GO! Damn y…you!”

 

“Whom is he talking about?” Rose asked as she saw the blood on the bandages Jenny was removing from Larabee’s back. She looked towards the door as her husband entered the room and moved to help them.

 

“Sarah was his wife, Adam his son,” Standish explained.

 

“Was?” Billy asked as he helped hold the blond in place.

 

“Yes, they were murdered in a fire by a woman scorned.” the gambler told them worried about the blood on the bandages.

 

“Did they catch this woman?” Rose asked.

 

“No, the unsavory woman is still out there and is often the cause of Chris’ nightmares,” Ezra explained.

 

“Sarah, God, Sarah, don’t leave me,” the blond’s struggles were no longer a problem as he lay quietly against the pillows. His eyes closed and tears slipped past the lids as he relived the nightmare reality of his world. Soft sounds, a cross between sobs and moans could be heard as the gunslinger lost consciousness.

 

“How bad?” Ezra asked as he sat back and gently held the blond in place.

 

“The bleeding has stopped, but this fever is going to sap whatever strength he has. We’ve got to get it down somehow!”

 

“What about bringing him to the creek and bathing him in the cool water?” Rose asked.

 

“I had thought of that, but moving him could be dangerous and leave him crippled. Billy, could you have your men bring some water from the creek?”

 

“I’ll see that it’s done, Jenny,” Cross said and left the room.

 

“He’s a good man, Ezra, but he’s also got a soft spot where is brother is concerned. He wants to believe in him, but he knows Andy has done things he shouldn’t have,” Rose explained sadly.

 

“I have first hand knowledge of the line between what is right and what is wrong, but I have chosen my path and with the help of others I have made the correct choice. Perhaps Billy’s influence will be the turning point for Andy.”

 

“I wish I could believe that, Ezra, but I’m afraid I don’t hold out much hope for Andy. We’ve given him plenty of chances and he’s always turned the other cheek and ended up hurting Billy. I wish just once that Andy didn’t disappoint Billy, but I don’t think that’ll ever happen,” Rose told him as she helped place new bandages over Larabee’s wounds.

 

“Okay, Ezra, ease him back,” O’Neil ordered and helped the gambler make Larabee comfortable. She quickly straightened the blankets and tucked them around the unconscious man.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carl Lewis rode slowly along the trail left by Andrew Cross’ horse. So far there was nothing that disproved the man’s story, but Lewis was determined he’d find the truth. He’d worked at the Cross ranch for nearly ten years and had seen the difference in the two brothers. Where Billy was fair and understanding, Andy could be described as a bully who only looked out for his own good. He looked down at a patch of grass that had been trampled recently and was only just beginning to bounce back. Dismounting his horse he began examining the thick blades and frowned as he spotted a dark area and reached out to touch it. Several blades of grass were stained with it and he knew instinctively it was blood.

 

“All right, Andy, looks like this is where you were shot, but something tells me you’re lying about who shot you,” Carl whispered as he stood up and looked around. The trail led towards the mountains and again he questioned why Cross would be coming from this direction. Mounting once more he again followed the trail, his mistrust of Andrew Cross mounting as the day waned and the late evening twilight spread over the land.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Where’s Carl?” Billy asked Dave as the two men walked towards the barn.

 

“I saw him ride out earlier, but I didn’t see him come back. His horse is still missing so I’m guessing he’s still out. Probably checking the fence along the north boundary,” White answered.

 

“Tell, him I want to see him when he gets back here.”

 

“Sure. How’s Andy?”

 

“He’s hurt, but Jenny says he’s going to be okay.”

 

“That’s good news. Chet should be back any time with Emmett.”

 

“Good, the sooner we get to the truth the better. I just hope Andy’s not lying to me,” Cross told his friend.

 

“Me too, Billy, but we both know…”

 

“Yeah, I know. I’ve done all I can for him, but he’s still family and I can’t turn my back on him now.”

 

“I don’t think Larabee or Standish would rob Andy. They’ve been doing good things in that town of theirs and I don’t think Judge Travis would’ve hired them if he didn’t trust them.” Dave said as two riders entered through the main gates of the ranch. “Looks like Chet and Emmett.”

 

“Yeah, take care of Emmett’s horse.”

 

“I will,” Dave agreed and looked at his friend’s worried face. “Billy, no matter what happens you know you’ve done what you could to help your brother.”

 

“I know, but it still doesn’t make it any easier,” Cross said as the newcomers pulled to a stop in front of them and dismounted.

 

“Billy, Chet tells me Andy’s been shot.”

 

“Dave will take care of your horse. Andy’s in the house and you know about my other two guests?”

 

“Larabee and Standish. Peacekeepers from Four Corners?”

 

“That’s right,” Cross said as they made their way towards the main house.

 

“I was on my way out here to get their story. Have a message here from JD Dunne for Ezra Standish.” Emmett Lawson explained as they reached the door and Cross pushed it open.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris felt the darkness leaving him, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to face the pain and heat that came with the light. Knowing there was no way to stop the inevitable he forced his eyes open and waited for them to adjust to the light from the lamp beside the bed. He tried to move, but something held him in place and he realized he was restrained on the bed. He licked at dry lips and turned his head slightly as he heard soft snores from beside him. It took him a few minutes to remember where he was and what had happened and he smiled in spite of the pain as he watched the sleeping gambler. A sound at the door brought his head up and he frowned as the woman stood framed in the doorway. She came closer to the bed and he knew her name, but couldn’t find the moisture needed to form coherent words.

 

“Hello, Chris, how are you feeling?”

 

“T…thirsty,” Larabee rasped as she moved to the opposite side of the bed and touched his forehead.

 

“Well, I can do something about that,” O’Neil said as she reached for the pitcher of water and a glass.

 

“H…how long’s he been l…like that?” Larabee asked.

 

“Not long. He refuses to leave your side until he’s sure you’re okay.”

 

“Gonna get a stiff neck.”

 

“Yes, he is, but I think he’d gladly put up with a stiff neck as long as he could watch over you. He’s a good friend.”

 

“Yeah…yeah he is,” Larabee said and swallowed some of the water she offered him. He sighed as she let him relax against the pillows once more. “Doc.”

 

“Yes?”

 

“Can you take these damn things off?” Larabee gestured towards the restraints. He smiled as she leaned over the bed and quickly removed the material from around his wrists and then moved to his ankles. Once they’d been removed Chris looked at her and smiled. “Thanks.”

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

“Doc, think I need to apologize.”

 

“For what?”

 

“S…seem to remember f…fighting…hit someone?”

 

“Nothing serious, Chris, you were not feeling very well and the fever made you fight. I think it’s finally easing some. How’s the pain right now?”

 

“Not too bad…not like i…it was.”

 

“Well if that is the truth than I’m glad. I do have a little morphine left so if it gets bad again just let me know.”

 

“I will…l…looks like sleeping beauty i…is w…waking up,” Larabee explained as Standish shifted on the chair.

 

“Chris!” the gambler said, smiling at the injured blond. “How are you feeling?”

 

“I’m okay…you need to go get some rest!”

 

“He’s right,” O’Neil explained as she reached for her stethoscope and began listening to her patient’s lungs.

 

“I’m fine…”

 

“Ezra, I’m okay. You can’t sleep in a chair the whole time we’re here,” Larabee warned tiredly.

 

“I…”

 

“Will go…”

 

“Jenny, Emmett is here,” Rose said having watched the two men ride into the yard.

 

“Tell Emmett he can talk to my patient if and when I say so,” O’Neil ordered.

 

“W…who’s Emmett?” Larabee asked and frowned as no one answered right away. “Ezra?”

 

“Emmett Lawson is the sheriff in Swift Creek. He wants to talk to you and Ezra about Andy’s shooting,” the physician explained.

 

“Andy?” the injured man asked.

 

“Andy Cross. My husband’s brother,” Rose told him.

 

“I…I don’t r…remember meeting him,” Larabee said, searching his memory for the missing pieces.

 

“You didn’t exactly meet him, Chris. Andy was one of the men I was playing cards with the night we left Swift Creek.”

 

“Damn! T…that means he’s o…one of the men that s…shot at us on the mesa!” Larabee said and tried to get out of bed.

 

“Stay put!” O’Neil warned as she moved to restrain the blond. “Are you trying to undo everything I’ve done to keep you alive?”

 

“No, I need to talk t…to the sheriff!” Larabee groaned as his body began to tremble with the reawakened pain.

 

“Let that be a lesson to you because if it’s not I’ll put those restraints back in place!” the physician ordered and heard a muffled chuckle from the man seated beside the bed.

 

“Something funny, Ezra?” Larabee asked irritation evident in his voice.

 

“I think both Nathan and Buck would get a kick out of this. Chris Larabee bested by a woman,” Standish explained and found himself the victim of two sets of glaring eyes.

 

“Just because I’m a woman doesn’t mean I can’t handle men!” O’Neil spat as she looked towards the door as Rose moved aside to let Billy and Emmett enter.

 

“Is everything okay in here?” Emmett asked, frowning at the disheveled doctor.

 

“Everything’s fine, Emmett. Now if you men would leave me to examine my patient I’d be grateful!”

 

“I need to speak with Larabee and Standish,” Lawson told her.

 

“Standish is free to go, but Larabee stays put and you can wait until I’m done before you return. If he’s awake and if I think he’s up to it I’ll let you question him!”

 

“Doc!”

 

“I mean it, Chris! You’re my patient and I’m not going to let anything happen to set you back. That fever has taken a lot out of you and you go getting up and opening the stitches it’s going to mean I’ll confine you to this bed for a lot longer than I planned. I don’t make idle threats, Chris, I mean what I say!” O’Neil told him and was glad to see the blond relax.

 

“Well, Doc, I guess we can start with Andy,” Lawson said, amazed at the feisty physician’s ability to take charge of any situation.

 

“You do that, and Emmett, go easy on him as well. Andy was also shot and he lost a lot of blood. Make sure you don’t upset him!”

 

“I’ll try not to, Doc, but I have a feeling that’s easier said than done. Standish, I have a message for you from JD Dunne,” the sheriff said as he handed the paper to the gambler.

 

“Ezra, is e…everything okay?” Larabee asked and realized O’Neil had been right about his injuries. His back and arm were throbbing and he tried to keep his breathing light as broken ribs reminded him they were there.

 

“Everything is fine, Chris. JD is enquiring about our need of their presence,” Standish said as he placed the paper inside his jacket. “I’ll be back as soon as we figure this out, Chris.”

 

Larabee nodded and watched as the three men left him alone with the two women. He knew the physician could see right through him and didn’t bother hiding how he felt.

 

“Chris, I want you to rest,” O’Neil said and saw the blond nod once before the sea green eyes closed once more.

 

“How is he, Jenny?”

 

“His fever’s coming down, but he’s not out of the woods yet. We need to get him eating. Can you…”

 

“I’ve already made a pot of stew and thinned it out a little for Chris. Hopefully he’ll be able to eat it when he wakes up,” Rose said with a smile as she looked at her friend.

 

“Thanks, Rose, could you stay with him while I check on Andy?”

 

“Certainly, Jenny,” Rose said and sat next to the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andrew had listened to the conversation taking place in the room just down the hall and quickly moved to the door in order to hear the voices better. He smiled as Billy came to his defense once more, and bit back the anger as he heard Standish’s voice. The two men could mean trouble for him, but he knew he could convince his brother of almost anything. All he needed to do was stick to his story and not trip himself up. Cross hurried back to the bed when he heard Emmett Lawson tell the other’s he’d speak with him first. Closing his eyes he got his breathing under control just as footsteps sounded in the hallway. Keeping his head turned away from the window, Andrew Cross took a deep breath and readied himself for the best acting job he could manage.

 

“Looks like he’s sleeping,” Billy said when they were all inside the room. He moved to his brother’s side and gently touched his shoulder. “Andy, Emmett is here and he wants to talk to you.”

 

“B…Billy,” Andrew mumbled as he turned towards his brother’s voice.

 

“Right here. How do you feel?”

 

“Side hurts,” the injured man answered.

 

“I know, but we need to hear your side of things,” the older man explained.

 

“Okay,” Andy said and looked at the two men behind his brother. Swallowing nervously he looked at Standish and began to tremble. “Why’s …he here? S…shot me!”

 

“Easy, Andy, he doesn’t have a weapon and he won’t get anywhere near you!” Billy assured the younger man.

 

“Andy, we’re here to get to the bottom of this and that means Standish has a right to tell his side of things. Now, how about telling me what happened?”

 

“I…I,” Andy grabbed for his brother’s arm as his words caught in his throat.

 

“Easy, Andy, just take it slow and it’ll be okay. I won’t let anything happen to you,” Billy explained as O’Neil joined them in the room.

 

“Keep h…him away!”

 

“We will,” Lawson said and motioned for the conman to stand back from the bed.

 

“Billy gave me the money for the payroll and I was goin’ to the bank. I was so glad that Billy trusted me and I wanted ta make ‘im proud. I don’t know how far from town I was when him and Larabee ambushed me.”

 

“That, Sir, is a lie…”

 

“He shot me…”

 

“The first time I saw you was at the card game where you lost…”

 

“He’s lyin’, Billy! Ya gotta believe me!”

 

“Easy, Andy, like I said I’m going to listen to both sides of the story and so is Emmett.”

 

“It should be easy for you to verify my story,” Standish explained calmly. “There were two other men involved in the card game and they can tell you I won the money from this man fairly. Chris and I left immediately after the game because Andy did not like losing and seemed intent on putting several holes in my hide.”

 

“That’s a lie! You and Larabee shot me and stole the money!” Andy repeated, crying out as he grabbed at his side.

 

“All right, that’s enough!” O’Neil said as she helped Billy restrain his brother.

 

“Do you know the names of those men who played cards with you?” Lawson asked softly as he led Standish out of the room.

 

“I remember one man was named Clyde, but that’s the only name I heard.”

 

“Probably Clyde Roberts and if he was there then the other two were probably Hank Larkin and Jacob Kennedy. When I get back to town I’ll check out your story,” Lawson said as they stopped in front of Larabee’s room.

 

“Thank you, Sheriff, I believe we’ll be vindicated as soon as you speak to any of those men or the bartender at the saloon.”

 

“Truth of it is, Standish, I believe you without even speaking to those men. Andy Cross has been known to lose more than his shirt in a card game. I don’t think I need to speak with Larabee right now, but when he’s awake I’d like to have a word with him.”

 

“I’ll let you know when he’s available. Would you mind sending a missive to JD Dunne when you go back to Swift Creek?’

 

“Certainly, just write it out for me and I’ll take care of it,” Lawson said as Jennifer O’Neil exited Andy’s room and walked past them into Larabee’s.

 

“Fine looking woman,” Emmett said softly.

 

“Indeed, a man could do much worse,” Standish agreed and wondered at the look on the sheriff’s face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jacob Kennedy knew he was dying, but he could not give in to the pain until he made it to someone who would listen to his story. He’d staggered along on two feet until blood loss sent him crashing to the ground. Lifting his head he managed to lift himself onto his hands and knees and began to crawl along the old trail.

 

“Arm…leg…arm…leg…arm…leg…” he moaned as he forced his body to obey his minds commands, but felt as if he was losing the battle. With a cry of pain and rage he dropped back to the ground, unaware of the blood leaving his body and soaking into the thirsty ground.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Carl Lewis knew he’d have to return to the ranch before long, but the bright moon overhead gave off a radiant light that made it possible to continue on the trail. So far the trail was still readable, and again he was amazed that the trail led towards the mountains instead of south towards Swift Creek. Turning his horse around he began to make his way towards the Cross ranch when a sound to his right caught his attention. He listened for the sound to be repeated and heard a painful groan from somewhere deeper in the brush.

 

“Is someone there?” his question was met with silence for several long seconds, but the moan came again as he dismounted. In spite of a reputation of not being a nervous man, Lewis drew his gun and quickly draped the horse’s reins over a low hanging branch before moving towards the area the moans emanated from. He spotted a man’s body lying in the clearing and frowned as he watched what the man was doing. One arm would move forward as if grasping for something then the leg would move and the body would move several inches as a moan escaped from the prone form.

 

“Hey, Mister, are you hurt?” Lewis laughed at the absurdity of his own question and quickly looked around. Once he was sure there was no one else in the area he moved to help the injured man. Moving forward he placed a hand on the injured man’s shoulder and was shocked when the trembling body tried to defend itself.

 

“A…Andy…shot…Andy…arm…leg…arm…leg…”

 

“Easy, Jacob, I got ya. I’ll get ya back to the ranch and Dr. O’Neil will have ya good as new in no time.” Lewis explained as Jacob’s bloodied right hand reached up and latched onto his shirt.

 

“P…please…dying. T…tell Billy…tell him Andy s…shot.”

 

“Yeah, we know Andy was shot, Jacob, but he’s going to be all right. The doctor’s probably already got ‘im fixed up.”

 

“No…not Andy shot…shot me…Andy…’

 

“You’re not making sense, Jacob,” Lewis said frowning as he tried to make sense of the injured man’s rambling. He watched as the tightlipped mouth tried to form the words and wished there was something he could do to ease the man’s pain.

 

“Andy s…shot me…”

 

“What?” Lewis asked incredulously, not wanting to believe what he was hearing yet somehow, he knew it was probably true.

 

“Shot me a…and H…Hank.”

 

“Why would he shoot you two?”

 

“L…lost m…money in a c…card g…game…Billy b…be mad.” Kennedy shifted in Lewis’ grasp, gasping as blood bubbled up in his throat and seeped past his lips.

 

“Hang on, Jacob, you’ll be okay.”

 

“N…no, I w…won’t, m…make sure B…Billy knows w…what A…Andy d…did…”

 

Carl knew the man was dead and closed the unseeing eyes before looking towards his horse. He knew the man was beyond help and that he needed to get back to the ranch and tell Billy what Jacob Kennedy’s dying words were. He’d bring the wagon out in the morning to take the body into town. Saying a silent prayer he stood and hurried to his horse and headed back to the ranch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Billy stood on the porch looking out over the land he loved. This was a place where a man could raise a family and give them the things they needed, to do what was right. No matter how hard he tried he still had doubts about his brother’s innocence and wished there was some way he could know for sure. His father had often spoken of family ties and Billy tried to hold the family together, but Andy’s jealousy had often twisted things until the ties were unraveling.

 

“Billy, are you okay?”

 

“Rose, I thought you were sleeping.” Billy said, pulling his wife into an embrace to help ward off the night chill.

 

“I was, but you know I get lonely when you’re not with me. I love you,” Rose said, smiling as she reached up to kiss her husband. She felt him respond and wondered at the feeling in her stomach.

 

“I love you, Rose,” Billy assured her as he turned her so that they both looked out over the darkened land. “Someday, our children will look out like this and know what it means to have family. They’ll be tied to each other as much as they are tied to this land…this life.”

 

“And they’ll love it here as much as we do.”

 

“I hope so.” The two moved to the porch swing and sat down beside each other as they listened to the sounds of the night. “How is Larabee?”

 

“He’s the same. Jenny managed to get some of the stew into him and it stayed put. Ezra is sleeping on the floor. You know he just doesn’t seem the type to sleep anywhere but a feather bed!”

 

“Yes, he does dress like a dandy…wonder how he and Larabee met.”

 

“Perhaps they’ll tell us. Did you notice the way Emmett was looking at Jenny? Perhaps our sheriff and doctor…”

 

“Rose, don’t start matchmaking. Remember the disaster at the last party?”

 

“Yes, but that was not my fault. How could I have known Shamus should have been called shameless? But Emmett seems to be pining away for Jenny.”

 

“I know Jenny, Rose, and I just don’t see her having much interest in Emmett, but who knows what’ll happen. Maybe she’ll take a liking to one of our guests,” Billy said frowning as he heard the sound of a horse coming into the yard.

 

“Who could that be?” Rose asked standing beside her husband.

 

“Looks like Carl…”

 

“Carl…at this hour!”

 

“I know Dave said he rode out not long after we found Andy, but I thought he came back long ago.” The two stood side by side and waited for the rider to stop in front of the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andy had awakened to the sound of soft voices and knew his brother and sister in law were outside on the porch. Moving carefully he made his way to the window and pulled the curtain slightly back. The cool night air sent goosebumps scurrying across his skin, but he listened to the couple talk until he spotted the rider coming towards the house. He squinted into the night and breathed a sigh of relief as he recognized one of the ranch hands. He was about to go back to bed, but something about the man’s voice caught and held his attention.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Billy, I need to talk to you,” Lewis said, dismounting quickly and climbing the three steps from the ground.

 

“What’s wrong? Where have you been?” Billy asked slightly irritated with his friend.

 

“After you and Frank brought Andy into the house I took a ride and backtracked his trail.”

 

“Why would you do that?” Cross inquired.

 

“Billy said he was robbed on the way into town. If that was the truth why was he riding in from the north? Swift Creek is south of us, Billy. Not north…”

 

“Well maybe he got turned around…he was shot…”

 

“I thought that too, Billy, but I found Jacob Kennedy out there…he’d been shot…”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andy smiled as he realized he could easily cover for this. With Jacob and Hank dead there was no one who could ruin his plans. The bartender could be bought off and so could anyone else who had witnessed the card game. He listened as the newcomer continued and his worst fears were realized. Looking around the room he spotted his gun hung over the end of the bed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“That doesn’t mean anything! Probably doesn’t have anything to do with what happened to Andy,” Cross said as his wife held tight to his arm.

 

“Jacob said Andy shot him…”

 

“No…”

 

“Yes. He said Andy shot him because he knew the truth about how Andy lost the money. He was playing cards, Billy! Andy was playing cards and lost the payroll money!”

 

“He could be lying!”

 

“Really? When does a dying man lie? There’s nothing he could gain by saying Andy shot him! He wanted you to know the truth, Billy!”

 

“Damn it!” Cross seethed as he thought about the two injured men upstairs. How could Andy lie so easily and how had he really been shot? He slowly walked down the steps and moved towards the barn.

 

“Billy…”

 

“Not now, Rose. I gotta think about this,” Billy said as he stuck his hands into his pocket, giving the impression of a man who had just lost his best friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Andrew Cross was as angered as his brother, but he wasn’t about to give up. Standish had won the money and probably still had it on his body somewhere. All he had to do was take the money and leave the ranch, as was his original plan. He grabbed his gun, checked to make sure it was loaded, pulled on his boots, moved towards the door, and looked into the dark hallway. No sound reached his ears and he knew his brother was still outside as he slipped into the corridor and made his way towards the guest room at the top of the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rose knew her husband was in turmoil about the news he’d just heard and she understood his need to be alone and think, but she also knew they needed to face facts. Andy had indeed lost the payroll in a card game and now they had the proof. Emmett Lawson had ridden back to town, but would be returning in the morning and she knew he would have more questions to ask.

 

“He just needs time, Mrs. Cross,” Lewis explained as the other man entered the barn.

 

“I know, Carl, but…” she hesitated before taking a deep breath.

 

“You don’t trust Andy.”

 

“I know he’s Billy’s brother, but they’re as different as day and night. Billy has always worked hard for everything…Andy seems to think everything should be handed to him on a silver platter.”

 

“Yeah, always was that way. Do you want me to ride into town and get the sheriff?”

 

“No, thank you, but he’ll be back in the morning. He was already here and spoke with Andy and Ezra Standish. You might as well go get some sleep.”

 

“I will, but if you need me for anything.”

 

“I know, Carl,” Rose said smiling as she strode purposefully towards the barn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Chris opened his eyes and fought back the last dregs of sleep as he shifted slightly on the bed. He was growing tired of lying propped up on his left side, but at least he could see without too much effort. The moon shone through the partially open window and bathed the sleeping form huddled in the corner in a soft white glow. Standish was turned towards the wall, his legs drawn up and a pillow tucked tightly underneath his head. Chris licked at dry lips in an effort to moisten them and wished he could reach the glass on the table, but it was impossible to do so. Any movement sent jolts of pain through his battered body, but he tried to lever himself up on the bed. Finally successful he managed to slide his legs over the edge and had to close his eyes as the room spun rapidly.

 

‘Stubborn fool!’ Jackson’s words echoed in his head and brought a small smile to his face.

 

“Yeah, I hear ya,” Larabee whispered as he reached for the glass of water and drank what was left in it. Still thirsty he reached for the pitcher beside it and awkwardly poured water into the glass. He drank greedily, stopping only when he heard a sound from the doorway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Billy, I’m sorry,” Rose said as she watched her husband rub down his favorite Pinto.

 

“You don’t need to be sorry, Rose. You’ve done everything you can to make Andy feel welcome and if I hadn’t been so stupid I would’ve noticed how he treated you and kicked him out long ago.”

 

“He’s your brother, Billy, and family ties run deep.”

 

“Yes, they do and I finally realized my ties are with you. Andy severed the ones we had a long time ago and it’s about damn time I faced up to it. Come on.”

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“I want to make sure Andy doesn’t try anything before Emmett returns.”

 

“You really think he’d do something?”

 

“I wouldn’t put it past him and right now Standish and Larabee are without their weapons. I figure I’ll take Andy’s gun while he’s sleeping and make sure it’s out of his reach.” He placed the brush on the shelf and reached for his wife before heading out of the barn and heading towards the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris frowned as he watched a dark shadowy form enter the room. The moon caught the silver edge of a gun and instincts kicked in as his mind and body reacted to the threat. Without thinking he dove at the figure and impacted with the newcomer as he cried out.

 

“Ezra!”

 

Standish barely had time to register the cry as two bodies rolled across the floor, struck him and rolled away once more. Blinking back the last vestiges of sleep he tried to comprehend what was happening. Muffled grunts and a sharp moan registered at the same time he realized one of the figures was Chris Larabee. Quickly gaining his feet he instinctively reached for the weapon and cursed when he remembered giving them to Billy Cross.

 

Ezra knew he had to get between the two men and get Larabee’s attacker away from him. The moon caught the barrel of the gun as the two men fought for the upper hand. Knowing Chris’ life was in imminent danger the gambler grabbed for the gun and tried to deflect it away from his friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jennifer O’Neil heard someone cry out and the unmistakable sound of something hitting the floor. Thinking that one of her patients might have fallen out of the bed she grabbed her robe and pulled it on. Pulling open the door the doctor heard the sound of a struggle from Larabee’s room and she raced towards it as the front doors opened and Billy and Rose Cross rushed inside. She pulled the door to the guest room open just in time to see Standish grab for the weapon and cry out as a bullet entered and exited his body. The force of the impact drove the conman away from the still fighting men. She entered the room, Billy and Rose close on her heels as she reached for the gun. There was no time to register what was happening as Billy grabbed for the gun at the same time and was finally able to wrench it from their grip. Knowing Rose would retrieve it, he threw the gun across the room and reached for his brother’s arms in an effort to pull him off Larabee.

 

“I’ll kill you and Standish!” Andy screamed as he battled his brother. His hands quickly wrapped around Larabee’s throat and cut off the blond’s air supply.

 

O’Neil had torn a piece from her robe and pressed it against the bleeding wounds to Standish’ shoulder. She wanted to help Billy, but she needed to stop the blood gushing form the gambler’s body. She didn’t know what was fueling Andy Cross, but it seemed to give him more strength than a normal man would have.

 

Rose picked up the gun and pointed it at Andrew Cross, but her hands shook so much she could barely hold it. She heard several of the hands enter the house and called out for them as Billy reached up and grabbed the gun from her hands.

 

“Andy, let him go!” Billy said as tears formed in his eyes. With Larabee’s struggles weakening he knew there was nothing else he could do as he brought the weapon down on the back of his brother’s head and Andy slumped against Larabee.

 

“What the hell?” Dave White cursed as the lamp he lit illuminated the room and its occupants.

 

Jenny took control and began giving orders as Carl Lewis and Chet Miller hurried into the room, guns drawn and ready.

 

“Carl, you and Chet take Andy back to his room and make sure he stays put! Rose, take your husband downstairs and get him some coffee…strong coffee. Dave, get over here and keep pressure on this while I check Larabee!”

 

“I can h…help!” Billy stammered as Carl and Chet lifted his brother’s body between them.

 

“Billy, right now I need you to do what I say. You’re in shock…”

 

“I’m okay, Jenny, and you need all the help you can get.”

 

“All right, Billy,” Jenny acquiesced and turned to her friend. “Rose, I’m going to need lots of water and bandages!”

 

“I’ll be right back!” Rose said glancing at her husband to make sure he really was okay. His smile was there, but she knew he was worried about his brother. Turning away she hurried out the door to get everything O’Neil needed.

 

“Dave, keep an eye on the bleeding!”

 

“Will do, Doc!” White answered as he watched the physician kneel beside the prone form of Chris Larabee.

 

“Billy, his arm is going to need to be reset, but I need to look at his back first. Can you turn him and hold him on his side for me?” She watched as he followed his orders and knew his mind was on his brother in the other room. Whatever had happened she knew this man was being eaten alive by what he’d been forced to do and her heart skipped a beat as their eyes met and she was reminded of the feelings she still harbored for him. Forcing her mind back to the injured man she checked the wound to his lower back and wasn’t surprised to see fresh blood spreading across the bandage.

 

“Will he be all right, Doc?”

 

“I don’t know, Billy. He was just starting to mend and now this. Those bruises around his neck could mean swelling and if that happens it’ll cut off his air and I’m just not equipped for that! Look, I need to get him back on the bed so I can get a better look at him.” She heard a raspy moan from her patient and watched as pain filled eyes opened and tried, unsuccessfully to focus on her.

 

“Doc…Ez…”

 

“Just lay still, Chris. Ezra’s okay,” O’Neil explained. “Let’s get him to the bed!”

 

“All right, but let me take most of his weight!” Billy ordered as they fought to get the injured man on his feet. By the time the trio was standing, Larabee had paled even further and a grey cast had taken over his face.

 

“Ease him down on his left side,” Jenny ordered and glanced at the second injured man as Frank entered the room with several towels and a basin of water.

 

“Rose said you’d need these!”

 

“Thank you’ Frank. Put them on the table and help Dave get Ezra’s clothing off and get him lying down. As soon as I take care of Chris I’ll need to stitch those wounds!”

 

“Sure, Doc!”

 

“Doc, Ezra…”

 

“He took one in the shoulder, Chris…”

 

“N…need to h…help him!”

 

“Yes, I do, and I will, but right now we need to get you taken care of. Your back is bleeding again and I need to make sure it’s stopped. Dave is taking care of Ezra until I can get to him! Billy, just keep him on his side!” Jenny ordered as she removed the bandages and silently cursed as she took note of the ravaged wound. For the next half hour she cleaned and re-stitched Larabee’s wound and placed a poultice to draw out any infection there.

 

Rose scurried between the kitchen and the bedrooms as she brought up coffee and hot water. She asked how the two men were and saw the hurt in her husband’s eyes as he came to stand beside her.

 

Jenny finished her examination of Larabee and decided to wait on re-setting the arm until she had a chance to look over her other two patients, three if she included Billy Cross. The man was holding it together, but he could lose it at any time and she had to be ready if that happened. Lifting the blankets she covered the now unconscious blond and moved to examine the conman.

 

“All right, Dave, let me take a look.” She ordered as she knelt beside the injured man. Both entrance and exit wounds needed to be cleaned and she gently checked to make sure there were no hidden problems. The man’s arm didn’t seem to be broken and she hoped there were no complications as she cleaned the wounds and stitched them both. She quickly bandaged the shoulder and used several strips of cloth to immobilize the arm. She reached down and like she’d done with Larabee she pulled a blanket up over the injured man and stood up. Turning around she stared into the face of the one man she couldn’t and wouldn’t lie to.

 

“Are you going to check on Andy now?” Billy asked, but there was no anger or remorse in his voice.

 

“Yes,” Jenny answered simply and walked out of the room. She knew Billy and Rose were following her as she entered the room of the third patient. As the three entered Andy’s room, Carl and Chet moved out of the way.

 

“He’s so pale,” Rose whispered as Jenny pulled a chair over to the bed and sat down.

 

Jenny checked the wound to Andy’s side and quickly cleaned and re-bandaged it before asking Billy to turn him so she could check the head wound. As he was turned she saw the evidence of blood on the pillow and looked up into Billy’s eyes once more.

 

“How bad?” Billy asked as he watched her probe the wound.

 

“It is going to need stitches…”

 

“Damn, I didn’t mean to hit him s…so hard.”

 

“Billy, now you listen to me and listen good because I’m not going to watch you destroy yourself with grief over this. If, and I do mean if Andy doesn’t make it, it’s because of what he did, not what you did. You saved a man’s life in there…two men in fact, because I’m damn sure Andy was going to kill them both!”

 

“I know, Jenny, and there’s more, but it’ll keep until after you’re done with him,” Billy said and waited for the physician to finish with his brother. When she put the last stitch in she reached for the blanket only to find Billy was already tending his brother.

“Jenny, why don’t you go down to the kitchen and get something to eat?” Rose suggested and moved to her husband’s side. She heard the other woman leave and looked at her husband. No matter what happened Billy Cross would lose his brother, because the younger man had brought a death penalty upon himself for murder and attempted murder. Sighing she reached for her husband as the butterfly sensation began in her stomach once more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Billy heard his brother’s moan and was instantly at his side. Six hours had passed since they’d discovered him in Larabee’s room and neither man had awakened. Jennifer O’Neil was in with Larabee and Standish while he remained near Andy. He didn’t know whether the younger man was going to make it and guilt continued to gnaw at his gut as he watched the eyelids flutter and finally open.

 

“B…Billy.”

 

“I’m right here, Andy, just take it easy and you’ll be okay,” the older brother soothed.

 

“N…no, B…Billy…need to…to tell you….”

 

“You can tell me later…”

 

“No, now…m…might not h…have l…later. I…I was w…wrong…lied to ya. L…lost money in…in card…game. Shot Larabee in t…the back. Pa’d be m…mad…”

 

“Pa wouldn’t be mad at you, Andy,” the older man said as tears misted his eyes.

 

“Yeah…yeah, he w…would. Al…ways said d…don’t s…shoot no…body in the b…back. I…I’m s…so sorry.”

 

“Larabee’s going to be okay, Andy, and so will you.”

 

“Not g…gonna be okay, b…but need ya t…ta know it a…ain’t yer f…fault. Good brother…the best…I l…love ya. F…forgive me, Billy, forgive me,” Andy whispered, his hand reaching for his brother as his eyes began to close.

 

“Andy…Andy!” Billy knew his brother was gone and felt the overwhelming guilt of what he’d done. His shoulders shook with the force of his sobs and he felt soft hands reach out and take his face in them.

 

“Billy, Andy is right, you are a good brother and you’re not at fault for this,” Rose said as tears clouded her eyes.

 

“I killed him, Rose. I k…killed my own brother!”

 

“No, you didn’t Billy. Andy made his choices and he knew they were wrong. You heard him say he shot Chris in the back and that your father would’ve been very disappointed in the choices Andy made. You did everything for your brother, Billy, and I won’t let you blame yourself for saving an innocent man’s life.”

 

“I…”

 

“Saved Chris in the only way possible. Andy knew he did wrong that’s why he asked for your forgiveness. Do you forgive him?”

 

“God help me, Rose, yes I forgive him…I forgive him everything…”

 

“Then you have to forgive yourself. You did the only thing possible, Billy, and I won’t let you live your life blaming yourself for what happened. Andy made his choices and they were wrong!” She held him as he sobbed out his pain and grief and let her own tears fall. It would be a long time before Billy Cross forgave himself for his brother’s death, but she would be there every step of the way, reminding him the guilt was not his to harbor.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Emmett Lawson knew his friend was feeling guilty over what he’d been forced to do. Shaking his head in dismay he reached for the second shovel and began to dig the grave for the youngest Cross. The family was all buried on a small hillock overlooking the ranch and this would be Andrew Cross’ final resting place. Between them they soon had the grave dug and the casket was placed inside as Reverend John Willis stepped forward to say the final words over the dead man.

 

Rose stood beside her husband as the minister threw dirt on top of the coffin. She felt tears sting her eyes as Billy’s body seemed to tremble and she could do nothing to help him. When the holy man moved back several hands moved in and began filling in the grave once more.

 

“Billy, lets go back to the house.”

 

“Not yet, Rose. You go ahead and I’ll be there as soon as we’re finished here.”

 

“Billy…”

 

“I just need a little time, Rose,” he explained as he took her hands in his and kissed her gently. “I’m okay…or I will be, but I need to do this okay?”

 

“All right, but don’t stay here too long,” Rose said and knew she had some news that would ease some of the pain she saw in her husband’s eyes. Jennifer had confirmed her suspicions and although they had lost a member of their family, another would be born in seven months. Kissing him once more she turned away and walked slowly back to their home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra winced as a part of his mind recognized the pain and discomfort shooting through his upper body. There were voices speaking softly somewhere near him, but he was unable to make out what they were saying. He was fully aware now of the pain in his shoulder, but was confused as to how he’d been hurt. Not knowing where he was or what happened, he didn’t want to give away the fact that he was awake. Listening intently he heard a familiar name and suddenly the confusion lifted and he tried to sit up.

 

“Chris…”

 

“He’s okay, Ezra,” Jennifer O’Neil explained as she moved to check on her second patient.

 

“No…no…he’s hurt. Shot!”

 

“Yes, he was, but if you’ll look across the room you’ll see he’s okay,” the physician explained and shifted enough for the injured man to check on his friend.

 

“His fever is back and he’s got a few new bruises, but we’re doing everything we can to make sure he’s going to be all right. Now, how do you feel?”

 

“Terrible, I believe I have a distinct dislike of foreign objects becoming em…embedded in my body.”

 

“Yes, well all the more reason not to let it happen,” Rose explained as she stood and walked to the table. She poured water into a cup and added laudanum to help ease the pain that showed on his face. “I want you to drink this.”

 

Ezra did as she ordered; frowning as he recognized the distinct aftertaste, but drank what was in the cup anyway. When she smiled and tucked the blanket around him he tried once more to look around her.

 

“Is he really all right?”

 

“He’s better than I thought he’d be at this point,” O’Neil answered honestly.

 

“How long was I unconscious?”

 

“Thirty two hours,” the physician answered.

 

“What happened with Andrew Cross? Is he…”

 

“He’s dead. Billy and Rose buried him earlier today, but he told Billy the truth about what happened.”

 

“God have mercy on his soul.”

 

“Yes,” Jennifer agreed as Emmett Lawson looked through the open door.

 

“How’s he doing, Doc?”

 

“He’s going to be okay,” the physician answered.

 

“Good, just thought he’d like to know I sent the telegram for him,” Lawson explained.

 

“I am indebted to you,” Standish began as the drug quickly took hold and he felt himself slipping towards sleep. He heard the newcomer ask about Larabee and frowned when he heard the worry in the woman’s voice, but could not find the energy to ask her what was really wrong.

 

“How’s Larabee?”

 

“He’s burning up,” O’Neil answered as she moved quickly back to the bed where her second patient lay bathed in sweat.

 

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

“Not really, Emmett, until this fever breaks there’s not much anyone can do. I’ve had to drain the wound in his back a couple of times and to be honest I’m worried about whether or not he’ll have use of his legs. The bullet wound was too close to his spine and with the attack by Andy, it just shook everything up again and until he wakes up I won’t know the extent of the damage.”

 

“You’re doing everything you can, Doc, no one can expect any more.”

 

“Thanks, Emmett,” the physician said as she took the cloth from the basin and slowly bathed her patient’s face. She’d been taking care of this man for several days now and for some reason her body was reacting to his nearness. She recognized the yearnings of a woman for a handsome man and wasn’t sure she could distance herself from her feelings.

 

“Doc, are you okay?” Lawson asked.

 

“I’m fine, Emmett,” she answered a little too quickly and smiled at the sheriff as he leaned against the wall. She’d been aware of his interest in her for some time, but right now she didn’t reciprocate those feelings and wasn’t sure she ever would.

 

“Would you like me to bring you something to eat?”

 

“Sure, Emmett, that would be great.”

 

“I’ll be back in a few minutes. Oh, I sent a telegram to Four Corners before I came out here and let Sheriff Dunne know about what happened.”

 

“Good, because these two will need someone with them on the trip back,” O’Neil said and heard the sheriff leave the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

JD read the missive again before hurrying across the street to the jail. He knew Buck and Nathan would be there and that Nate was probably checking on the two prisoners they’d arrested the night before. The wounds were nothing serious and the two men would be released as soon as they paid for the damage they’d done to Gloria Potter’ store.

 

“Hey, kid, what’s the hurry?” Wilmington asked as Dunne entered the jail.

 

“I got a message from Sheriff Lawson in Swift Creek. Ezra’s been shot!”

 

“What? I thought it was Chris who was shot!” Jackson asked as he placed a bandage over the newly stitched wound in the prisoner’s forehead.

 

“They both were! He doesn’t give any details. Just said both men were shot and would probably need an escort back here,” the young sheriff explained.

 

“Damn!” Jackson said. “JD, go tell Josiah and Vin and meet us back here in half an hour.”

 

“Are we going to go get them?” Dunne asked.

 

“Someone has to!” the healer explained as the sheriff hurriedly exited through the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris opened his eyes and swallowed painfully aware of the abuse Andrew Cross had done to his body. He looked across the room, surprised and concerned for the gambler and tried to sit up, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He turned to see the physician standing next to his bed and forced a thin smile to his face.

 

“He’s okay, Chris, a little sore and he’ll be unable to use his left arm for some time. Now, how do you feel?”

 

“S…sore,” Chris hardly recognized the sound of his own voice and was grateful when a glass was held to his mouth and he drank the cool water.

 

“I bet. You’ve been through a lot in the last few days and it’s going to take some time for your body to heal. I don’t want you talking very much until the swelling around your neck goes down!”

 

“W…what h…”

 

“I said no talking. I’ll explain everything in a few minutes, but first I want to ask Rose to bring you up some broth,” O’Neil said and hurried to the door.

 

Chris was lying still in the bed and let his mind wonder about the event that led to this point in time. Several images fought for dominance and the sound of a gunshot echoed over and over in his mind. A flash of blood, a cry of pain and the sudden sensation of choking caused him to shift too quickly and he bit back his own painful cry.

 

“I thought I told you to lie still,” O’Neil said as she rushed back to her patient’s side. She reached for the glass of water on the table and helped him drink his fill. “Better?”

 

“Y…yeah.”

 

“Good, now be quiet and listen. Andrew Cross is dead, but before he died he told his brother the truth. You and Ezra are both in the clear, but Andy did manage to shoot your friend and nearly choked you to death before he died. I don’t’ think there’s anything major wrong with your throat, but the swelling is going to make it hurt when you talk or drink. Now it’s very important that you start eating and drinking as much as you can because it’ll help you gain your strength back. Okay?”

 

“O…okay,” Larabee ground out as he looked towards the still sleeping gambler.

 

“He’s going to be fine, Chris, but right now I want you to do something for me. I need to see if you can move your legs?”

 

“Try,” the blond said and concentrated on moving both legs. The right moved easily, but it took all his depleted supply of energy to move the left one a fraction of an inch. He looked at the physician hopefully and fought back the fear he felt encircling his mind.

 

“Chris, that was very good. I know you probably don’t believe that, but right now I’m just glad to see any movement at all. The wound to your back was already swollen and Andy’s attack aggravated it even more. I fully expect you’ll make a complete recovery, but it is going to take time.”

 

“Jenny, I brought some broth and lemonade,” Rose said as she entered the room and placed the tray on the table.

 

“Thank you, Rose,” O’Neil said and turned back to her patient as the blond tried to put on a brave front. “So feel like drinking some broth?”

 

“Y…yeah, I think s…so.” It took nearly twenty minutes to get the broth and lemonade into her patient and although it was only a small amount of both, Jenny hoped it was enough to start Larabee on the road to recovery. She watched as the tension left the injured man and knew he was asleep as Rose came over and stood beside her.

 

“Have you told Billy the good news yet, Rose?”

 

“Not yet, I was going to tell him yesterday, but it didn’t seem the right time with burying Andy and all.”

 

“Yes, well, I think this is the type of news that could really help Billy come to grips with what’s happened. You two have been trying for so long and I think maybe you both need to leave the grief and pain behind and look to the future. This baby is your future and I think it’s a sign of the love you share.”

 

“I’ll tell him tonight,” Rose said with a smile before leaving the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rose smiled as she moved towards her husband and wrapped her arms around the strong body she loved to feel next to her. She sighed contentedly as Billy pulled her into a tight embrace and looked into her eyes.

 

“I love you, my Irish Rose.”

 

“I love you too, Billy,” Rose whispered softly as the sound of the crickets all but disappeared.

 

“Honey, is something wrong?”

 

“No, at least I don’t think so, Billy, but there’s something I need to tell you and I’m not sure if now is the right time.” She felt tears in her eyes as her husband lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. They stayed, frozen in time until a smile began to form on Billy Cross’ face.

 

“Rose, are you…are we gonna have a baby?”

 

“How? Billy, how did you know?”

 

“Pa said that when a woman is with child she gets this glow on her face and a twinkle in her eyes and right now you have both. Please, Honey, tell me.”

 

“I wasn’t sure if the time was right…I mean with Andy’s death so close I was afraid...”

 

“Oh, Rose, don’t be afraid…don’t ever be afraid!” he said as he lifted her into his arms and swung her around, laughing delightedly as he kissed the woman he loved more than life itself. “A baby…our baby!”

 

“That’s right…our baby and it ties our family together again,” Rose said as he carried her into the house and up to their room.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra had finally convinced Jennifer O’Neil that he no longer needed to lie down. It had been three days since he was shot and although there was still a lot of pain and discomfort he knew he’d had worse. Sitting in the chair beside Larabee’s bed was something he needed to do. Chris was awake now and O’Neil had gone to get them both lunch and Ezra smiled as his friend wrinkled his nose at the idea of broth.

 

“Maybe you’ll be more fortunate this time,” Standish tried and saw the irritation on the blond’s face. This marked the first time since Andrew Cross attacked them that Chris was awake and showed only a minor fever. With his slow recovery came the gunslinger’s impatience that was showing through loud and clear.

 

“Yeah, right! Last time someone said that to me I ended up on a liquid diet for a month!”

 

“Now, Chris, we both know you’re embellishing…”

 

“I’m not embellishing anything, Ezra, I’m tired of broth! I’m tired of lying here! I’m tired of…”

 

“Hurting so much,” Standish said and saw the truth in Larabee’s eyes. The gunman hated for anyone to see him hurting and often fought to keep from showing just how much pain he was in.

 

“When did you get so damn good at mind reading?”

 

“It doesn’t take a mind reader to know when someone is hurting, Chris. It takes a friend.”

 

“Yeah…yeah, it does,” Larabee agreed and forgetting about the broken ribs took a deep breath. “Shit!”

 

“I’m sure…”

 

“Ezra, I’ve brought dinner for both of you,” O’Neil said, entering he room and placing a tray on the table. “Chris, before you eat…”

 

“Don’t you mean drink?” Larabee asked unable to hide his irritation.

 

“Actually, no, I mean eat. Rose has made a special stew just for you and I do hope you intend to thank her for the trouble she’s gone through.”

 

“Damn, sorry, just tired of all the liquid sh…stuff,” the blond said as Ezra moved out of the chair and the physician took his place.

 

“I’m sure. Now I want you to move your legs for me…think you can do that?”

 

“Think so, still hurts, but not as bad.”

 

“Good. Okay start with the right one,” O’Neil ordered and knew Standish was watching Larabee’s movements as closely as she was. They both breathed a sigh of relief as the gunslinger moved his right leg with little or no trouble. “Okay, now the left.”

 

Chris concentrated on moving his left leg and although it hurt more than the other he managed to move it a little. With a groan he shifted it further and finally lay breathlessly against the pillows.

 

“Well done, Chris. Now do you fell like sitting up a little more?”

 

“Hell yeah!” Larabee answered and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry.”

 

“No need to be. I can understand your excitement. Just hang on to my arm and I’ll help you sit up. Ezra, would you place the pillows behind his back?”

 

“Gladly,” Standish said and did as the physician said. He watched as the woman placed the tray on Larabee’s lap and handed him the spoon.

 

“Thanks, smells good,” the injured man said and watched the conman move to the chair set up beside the small table. The gambler was agile with both arms and Chris knew it wouldn’t be long before he was back at the tables looking for a game. Ezra could shuffle one handed easier and better than most could with two and the gunslinger watched as Standish flexed the fingers of his injured arm. Chris began eating, but at the same time he watched his friend and fellow peacekeeper and knew the younger man would indeed be fine.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buck, Nathan, and Vin rode across the mountains towards Swift Creek. Wilmington and Tanner rode their usual mounts while Jackson drove a team of horses that pulled the wagon he rode in. The decision on who would go was an easy one since Nathan’s medical knowledge would be needed. Vin and Buck would go because they knew how to handle the gunslinger better than any of the others. The town loomed ahead as the three men rode in silence, having talked about everything during the first half of the journey.

 

“Vin, you and Nathan head over to the restaurant while I check in with the sheriff,” Wilmington suggested.

 

“All right, Buck,” Jackson agreed, excited at the proposition of eating a decent meal after the long ride.

 

Buck nodded to both men and rode the short distance to the jail before dismounting and looping his reins over the hitching post. He hurried over to the door and pushed it open. A dark haired man sat behind the desk, a cup of coffee in his hand as he leaned the chair back against the wall.

 

“Somethin’ I can do for ya?”

 

“I’m looking for Sheriff Lawson…”

 

“Ya found ‘im. Speak your peace!”

 

“Name’s Buck Wilmington. We came from up Four Corners way.”

 

“Ah, your sheriff sent a telegram that you boys were coming,” Lawson said, standing and offering his hand. The two shook and after a couple of seconds of sizing each other up, Emmett spoke. “Your friends are doing better. Dr. O’Neil said they’d be ready to travel before long. Larabee is being a little stubborn…”

 

“A little? I doubt that. Ain’t no one as stubborn as Chris Larabee when it comes to what’s good for him. Nate’s always complainin’ that Chris makes him work twice as hard as anyone else.”

 

“Yeah, I don’t doubt it for a minute. You boys might as well stay in town and head for the Cross place tomorrow. Ain’t much daylight left and well the trail can be rough in the daylight and even worse at night when you don’t know the trail.”

 

“There a hotel in town?”

 

“No, but Mrs. Grady has a boarding house next to the restaurant. The livery at the end of the street will gladly look after your horses for ya.”

 

“Thanks, Sheriff, how do we get to the Cross place?”

 

“It’s north of here. I was plannin’ on headin’ out there first thing in the mornin’ so you’re welcome to ride along with me.”

 

“Thanks, Sheriff…appreciate it,” Wilmington said. The two men walked out of the jail and headed towards the restaurant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ezra breathed deeply of the sweet mountain air and sighed contentedly as he sat on the porch swing. The day had dawned bright and clear and with it came an urge to get home. He still cringed when he thought of Four Corners as being home, but like the others,

that was how he felt about it. Somehow, since meeting the six men he’d laid down family ties, because no matter how you looked at it this group was a special brotherhood, one he was proud to be part of. Their leader, the man who held them together more often than not was upstairs, fighting to get past the injuries caused by Andrew Cross. He shifted in the seat and rubbed at his throbbing shoulder, knowing if O’Neil found him here she’d chew him out. Lifting his right arm, Ezra shaded his eyes from the bright mid morning sunlight and tried to make out who was coming towards the ranch.

 

“Looks like we got company,” Dave White said as he joined the gambler.

 

“Yes, it certainly appears that way. Do you have any idea who they are?” the conman asked, instincts kicking in as his hand came to rest on the gun hidden in his sling. He squinted against the sunlight and breathed a sigh of relief as he recognized the trio riding with Emmett Lawson even as White spoke from beside him.

 

“No…wait…looks like the sheriff, but I’ll be damned if I know the other three.”

 

“Those three I know. Buck Wilmington, Nathan Jackson, and Vin Tanner.”

 

“Friends of yours?”

 

“You could say that,” Standish said, standing and walking out to meet the approaching newcomers.

 

“Ezra, are ya supposed ta be out of bed?” Jackson asked as he drew the wagon to a stop alongside the gambler. The healer quickly took in the pained expression and the too pale face and knew Standish was trying unsuccessfully to hide his discomfort.

 

“I assure you…”

 

“Don’t assure me of nothin’, Ezra! Buck, Vin, take care of the horses while I see to this fool,” Jackson took charge and motioned for the conman to lead the way inside.

 

“It’s not as bad as it looks,” Standish tried, glaring at Wilmington and Tanner as the two men chuckled softly. “I see nothing funny in my pain…”

 

“So, you are in pain. Come on then let’s getcha inside and take a look atcha. Where’s Chris?”

 

“He’s upstairs under the gentler hands of Dr. O’Neil,” Standish said, wishing he’d stayed put in the room. He saw a look of sympathy on the sheriff’s face as the man followed them up the steps.

 

“Yeah, well, gentle never got me anywhere with you bunch. Guess I’ll have to tell Dr. O’Neil a few tales,” the former slave said as they entered the house and were met by the owners of the ranch.

 

“Howdy, Billy, Rose, like ya ta meet Nathan Jackson from Four Corners. Him and two others come down ta check on their friends.”

 

“Howdy, Ma’am,” Jackson greeted and removed his hat. “Mr. Cross.”

 

“Four Corners, you’re friends of Standish and Larabee?” Billy asked.

 

“Sure are, hope they haven’t caused ya too much trouble, Ma’am,” Jackson said.

 

“I assure you Nathan…”

 

“Never mind, Ezra. Mrs. Cross would you mind if I took a look at Chris and Ezra myself?”

 

“I don’t have a problem with it, but Dr. O’Neil is upstairs with Chris right now and Ezra, she’s looking for you.”

 

“I knew it! Come on, Ezra, let’s see just how gentle the good Dr. O’Neil is when she finds out you’ve been outside. Perhaps she can give you a tonic to make you stay put!”

 

“I don’t need a tonic, Mr. Jackson, I need a fast horse,” Standish said as they headed up the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Chris rode out the pain caused by O’Neil’s examination of his wounds. His back was to the door and all his energy was concentrated on breathing and being still and he missed the arrival of the newcomers.

 

“Not much more, Chris,” O’Neil assured him as she cleaned the wound in his lower back. Since removing the poultice the day before she found the wound was finally healing on its own. Her patient was also able to move his legs more freely, but she was unwilling to allow him out of bed until she was sure. Larabee’s impatience with the healing process was shining through.

 

“Thank God! Maybe you should find a new instrument of torture!” Larabee groaned as he buried his head in the pillows.

 

“Perhaps I will give some thought to doing just that! I know this hurts, but if you expect to be able to walk….”

 

“Look, Doc, my legs work and I can walk! Just let me out of this damn bed!” A soft chuckle caught his attention and he tried to look over his shoulder at the newcomers. “Shit, Nate…”

 

“Should I be glad that you treat all members of the medical field in the same manner you treat me?” Jackson asked.

 

“If he treats you like this I’d make damn sure he was bound and gagged!”

 

“Shot and pissed on!” Wilmington said with a grin as he joined them in the room.

 

“Shut up, Buck! Come on, doc, let me out of here!” Larabee spat impatiently.

 

“Chris…”

 

“Doc, why don’t you let me handle this one,” Jackson said.

 

“Be my guest,” O’Neil said and tightened the bandage around Larabee’s abdomen.

 

“Shit!”

 

“Serves ya right. So, ya think you’re ready to get up?” Jackson asked.

 

“Have been for days!” Larabee snarled as Jackson eased him onto his back.

 

“All right, why don’t we see just how ready you are.”

 

“How?” the injured man asked contemptuously.

 

“Well, ain’t no way ya can walk around until ya get your pants on, so why don’t we start with those? Mrs. Cross, would you mind bringing Chris’ clothes up here?”

 

“Not at all, Mr. Jackson,” the woman said and hurried from the room.

 

“Doc, my name’s Nathan Jackson…”

 

“I’ve heard of you, Mr. Jackson. The people you’ve treated have high praise for your abilities as a healer. I would like to speak with you when we’re finished with his stubborn…”

 

“Not stubborn!”

 

“Chris, ain’t met a man more stubborn’n you except maybe Vin and we both know how he can get,” Wilmington said.

 

“Know what, Buck,” Vin Tanner asked, leaning heavily against the frame. “How ya doin’, Chris?”

 

“Be a hell of a lot better once I get my pants on!” Larabee stated as he looked from Jackson to O’Neil.

 

“Yeah, see whatcha mean,” the Texan said as he moved closer to the bed. He smiled as the Cross woman came into the room with a clean bundle of dark clothing.

 

“I washed and mended what I could, but some of it was fit only for the garbage,” Rose explained as she placed the bundle on the table beside the bed.

 

“Thank you,” Larabee said sincerely.

 

“You’re welcome,” Rose said with a smile as her husband reached for her arm.

 

“All right, Chris, there’s your clothes!” Jackson told his friend.

 

“Can’t expect a man to get dressed with everyone watchin’!” the injured man stated.

 

“All right,” Jackson said and turned to face the others. “You heard the man. Says he don’t want no one watchin’ him while he gets his self dressed!”

 

“Mr. Jackson, I don’t think we should…”

 

“Dr. O’Neil, believe me I know what I’m doing,” the former stretcher-bearer said, smiling as he motioned for the others to leave the room. When the others were gone Jackson smiled at his patient and said, “We’ll be right outside the door, Chris.”

 

“Thanks, Nate,” Larabee said and waited for the door to close completely before using his left hand to lever his body up in the bed. His breath caught in his throat as the upward movement pulled at stitches and stiff muscles that ached from lying in the same position for too long. Finally able to breathe past the pain and nausea he swung his legs over the edge, wincing as he caught sight of the fading bruises and scratches on his thighs. Sitting on the edge of the bed he reached for his pants with his left hand and realized this was going to be harder than he’d imagined.

 

“Shit!” he whispered and flicked the pants out over his legs. Using his uninjured arm he tried to bend far enough to slide his leg in, but the pressure on his broken ribs threatened to send him back into unconsciousness. He sat where he was, his left arm pressed against his side as he waited for the pain to subside once more. He had no idea how long he sat there, but looked up as the door opened slightly.

 

“Are you okay, Chris?”

 

“Damn it, Nathan!”

 

“Something wrong?” Jackson asked as he entered the room.

 

“What the hell do you think?”

 

“Doesn’t seem to matter what me or Dr. O’Neil thinks. You were hell bent on getting up and I just let you figure out for yourself how hard that’s gonna be. Now are ya ready ta listen or is that stubborn pride still in charge?”

 

“I’ll listen…still want out!” Larabee said as O’Neil joined them.

 

“I didn’t say you couldn’t get up, Chris, I said you couldn’t get up without help. Are you ready to accept our help now?” O’Neil asked.

 

“Ah, hell, Doc, at least wait until I get some pants on!”

 

“Chris, I’ve been looking after you for over a week…”

 

“I know, Doc…”

 

“But he’s awake now and he’s embarrassed,” Jackson told her with a smile as he saw the truth in Larabee’s eyes.

 

“Well, I guess I could send one of the others in, but I assure you Chris I’m not embarrassed by any of this,” O’Neil said and realized those words were true. There was something about this man that she liked and she smiled as the intense sea-green eyes met hers.

 

“Thanks, Doc,” Larabee said as the woman left the room.

 

“All right, Chris, now let’s see if we can get you dressed,” Jackson offered. He took the blonds pants and eased both legs into them before helping Larabee stand. Ignoring the muttered curses and gasps of pain, the healer worked quickly and carefully to get the injured man dressed. Finally done he lowered Larabee back to the bed and waited for the man to relax his muscles and be able to breathe easier.

 

“Sonofabitch!”

 

“I bet. It will get better, Chris.”

 

“Hell, I hope so, Nathan,” Larabee said as he reached for the shirt and nodded as his friend offered to help. By the time he had his shirt, socks, and boots on he wasn’t so sure he still had the energy needed to get up and go outside.

 

“Are you ready to try this?”

 

“No, but I’m going to do it anyway,” Larabee exclaimed, breathing through clenched teeth as he stood up and wavered.

 

“Chris!”

 

“I’m okay, Nathan, just give me a second…”

 

“At this rate you’ll need an hour just ta get across the room!”

 

“Pro…ba…bly,” the blond ground out as he took his first painful step and grabbed Jackson’s shoulder in an effort to stay on his feet. He heard Nathan mumbling about stubborn men and couldn’t help smiling as he recognized the tone as one of worry and friendship. They made the door and it opened before either of them touched it.

 

“Must say ya look better with your pants on, pard!” Wilmington said with a mischievous grin.

 

“Shut up, B…Buck!” Larabee spat as he reached the top of the stairs.

 

“Chris, are ya sure yer up fer this?” Tanner asked worriedly.

 

“Ask me that when I make it o…outside!” the blond answered as he used his left hand to grip the railing and eased his foot onto the first step. The journey felt like the longest one he’d ever taken, and yet the reward at the end was worth the pain and the effort it took to get where he was now. The porch swing was bathed in sunlight as Chris eased himself down and closed his eyes.

 

“Are you okay?” O’Neil asked.

 

“Yeah...yeah, I’m fine,” Larabee lied as he breathed past the nausea.

 

“Here, Chris,” Jackson said, handing the gunslinger a glass of water. He watched as the blond drank the water and was relieved to see some of the color return to the handsome face.

 

“Thanks, Nathan,” Larabee said letting his head come to rest on the side of the swing. His eyes closed once more as he waited for the world to right itself and finally smiled before opening his eyes.

 

“Better?” the healer asked.

 

“Yeah…thanks,” the injured man said.

 

“Ezra, sit down!” O’Neil ordered of the second injured man.

 

“I…”

 

“Do as she says!” Jackson ordered and watched the gambler sit on the swing beside Larabee.

 

“How long before we can head for home?” Larabee asked. He knew the Cross’ needed some time alone…to come to terms with Andy’s death and understood that he and Ezra were harsh reminders of the tragedy they’d all lived through.

 

“Doc?” Jackson asked.

 

“Well, if and it’s a big if, Chris does as he’s told and agrees to riding in the back of a wagon…”

 

“Hell, Doc!”

 

“I’d say you can leave in a few days.”

 

“What about Ezra?” Larabee asked.

 

“Well, yes, he can leave in two days as well,” O’Neil said, smiling at the look on Larabee’s face.

 

“In a wagon…”

 

“Now, Chris, I am able to handle riding a horse…”

 

“You’re hurt,” Larabee said.

 

“Yes, well, shall we take bets on who could stay in the saddle longer?” Standish said with a wry grin.

 

“Hell, Ezra, you’d lose that bet for sure. I saw Chris ride for twelve hours with more’n just a burr under his saddle,” Wilmington teased and laughed as Larabee glared in his direction.

 

“Twelve hours? No man should be in the saddle that long!” O’Neil warned.

 

“Yeah, I’ve told them that often enough, but some of ‘im eat and sleep in the saddle when they’re in a hurry ta get somewhere,” Jackson warned and looked pointedly at the Texan.

 

“Don’t go lookin’ at me Nate, ain’t been in the saddle more’n a couple of hours since…”

 

“Since hell froze over,” Jackson quipped. “Okay, here’s what we’re gonna do. Come the day we head for home Chris rides in the wagon. Ezra, you can ride as long as you do as I say and get in the wagon when you’re tired!”

 

“Chris, it sounds to me like Nathan knows how to handle all of you,” O’Neil said, studying the pale face as Larabee closed his eyes once more.

 

“Lord knows I’ve had enough practice,” Jackson said before any of the others had a chance. “Chris, I think maybe it’d be better ta get you back upstairs and in bed.”

 

“Hell, Nathan, I just got down here.”

 

“I know, but you need to rest if’n we’re gonna be headed for home anytime soon…”

 

“I can rest here,” Larabee assured him.

 

“Yes, but I don’t think your back can handle the strain,” O’Neil answered for Jackson.

 

“Come on, Cowboy, ain’t gonna letcha rest until yer back in bed,” Tanner said and moved to help the injured man to his feet.

 

“Ah, hell, can’t fight all of you,” he looked expectantly at the Texan before finishing with a tight smile. “Unless ya got my gun handy.”

 

“Sorry, Chris, ain’t seen hide nor hair of yer gun,” Tanner said as Wilmington moved in to take the other side.

 

“Hardly seems worth the time it took to get out here,” Larabee said as he felt the others surround and support him.

 

“Yes, well, I’ll just remind ya of that the next time ya want outta that bed!” the healer said and nodded at the physician as they passed her.

 

Jennifer O’Neil knew her patient was in capable hands, yet she couldn’t help feeling a twinge of jealousy as his friends seemed to take her place. She smiled at Rose and Billy before sitting in the swing and letting those feelings slip away. Chris Larabee was needed in a town called Four Corners and right now she was still needed here. If and when the time came for her to move on she would maybe detour to the north and see how the handsome blond was making out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris smiled as the woman who’d saved his life finished checking his wounds and sat back in her chair. He knew she was worried about his wounds and whether he was ready for this trip, but there was no way he was staying behind. In the two days since his first trip outside he’d made several others and was rapidly regaining his strength and his irritation often left him short tempered.

 

“Chris, I really think you should give yourself a few more days. What difference could it possibly make?”

 

“Look, Doc…Jenny,” he reached for her hand and felt the slight tremble in the fingers. “I was hired to help protect Four Corners and lying here is not earning my keep.”

 

“Surely Judge Travis will understand once the others explain about your injuries.”

 

“He will, but I need to get moving. I stay down I lose my edge,” Larabee explained as their eyes met. He knew she had feelings for him and was startled to feel a warmth spread throughout his body as he looked into the expressive orbs. Yes, this was a woman he could definitely love, but for now they both had jobs to do. Without thinking he felt himself drawn towards her until their lips met in a passionate kiss. His body responded to her nearness and he groaned as he tried to hide his growing attraction.

 

“Are you all right?” Jenny asked as the kiss deepened and her own body craved to feel him against her bare skin.

 

“No…but I will be,” Larabee said and felt her pull back a little. “We both will.”

 

“Do you think you’ll ever come back this way?” O’Neil asked hopefully.

 

“I’m damn sure going to try,” the blond vowed as they released each other just as Nathan entered the room.

 

“Is he ready, Doc?”

 

“Yes, I believe he is,” the physician said, but kept her eyes locked with the gunman’s in an effort to keep from letting the tears fall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Two days later the wagon was loaded with a mattress, several pillows and thick blankets. Vin and Buck had made sure everything Jackson asked for was on hand and now all they waited for was the gunslinger. Ezra stood beside the wagon, ready to mount as soon as Larabee was settled in the wagon.

 

“Vin, I’m going to see if Nathan needs any help with Chris,” Wilmington explained and hurried into the house. He looked up just as Chris placed his foot on the top step and began his slow decent. Standing next to him was Jackson, finely tuned reflexes waiting to spring into action if needed. Behind the two men was Jennifer O’Neil, the woman’s beauty shone through her moisture-laden eyes. Buck had seen the growing feelings these two had and vowed to see that Larabee made a visit to Swift Creek when he regained his health. Something told him the gunslinger had already decided to do just that.

 

“Mr. Wilmington,” Rose called.

 

“What can I do for you, Ma’am,” the gentle rogue asked.

 

“I have some supplies for your trip…”

 

“You didn’t have to d…do that, Mrs. Cross,” Larabee stammered as he made it to the halfway point on the stairs.

 

“I know I didn’t, but there was plenty left from supper last night and fresh biscuits and bacon this morning. I’m sure you gentlemen will enjoy them this evening.”

 

“Yes, Ma’am, we sure will,” Buck said and followed her into the kitchen.

 

“Almost down, Chris,” Jackson said, noting the slight tremor in the man’s shoulders and upper body.

 

“O…okay,” Larabee said, fighting to stay on his feet once more. He concentrated on putting one foot in front of the other until they reached the bottom and he sank breathlessly onto the chair someone had placed there after his first trip.

 

“Nathan, did you remember to pack the extra laudanum I gave you?” O’Neil asked worriedly.

 

“Yeah, it’s in my saddle bag. Chris ya sure you’re up to this?”

 

“Yes, Nathan, just might take a while to get started,” Larabee said, eyes closed against the throbbing in his skull. When he finally had his breathing under control Chris opened his eyes and regained his feet. Feeling Jackson next to him, Larabee made his way to the door as Jenny opened it and waited for him to step outside. The day had dawned bright and clear and Chris made his way down the steps and over to the wagon. He looked from Tanner to Standish before Buck and Vin moved to help him into the wagon. Nathan jumped into the back and between the three of them he was soon lying in the back, propped up by several pillows. A canteen of water was placed beside him and Chris reached for it, uncapping it and taking a long swallow.

 

“Chris, if you need anything just holler,” Jackson said as he climbed over the seat and took the reins from Standish.

 

“I will. Billy, Mrs. Cross, don’t know how to thank you for everything you’ve done for us, but if there’s ever a time when you need something you know where I am…”

 

“Where we are,” Standish corrected. “Your hospitality rivals the finest hotels in Paris and London,” Standish said, tipping his hat to the couple before mounting up.

 

“You’re both more than welcome. Just make sure you listen to Mr. Jackson and don’t go undoing everything Jenny has done,” Rose explained with a smile.

 

“They won’t!” Jackson assured the woman.

 

“Thank you, Jenny,” Larabee said, their eyes locking once more as Tanner and Wilmington mounted up. As the wagon drove away from the ranch, Chris continued to stare at the woman who saved his life. ‘Beautiful,’ he thought as the woman followed the couple into the house.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

They traveled late into the evening, stopping only for lunch and to make sure Chris was comfortable. Ezra alternated between his horse and the wagon until finally giving in and stretching out alongside the injured gunman.

 

“We need to stop soon, Vin. I need to check Chris and Ezra,” Jackson said when Tanner returned from one of his forays ahead.

 

“There’s a creek about a mile up ahead. Figure it’s a good place ta spend the night,” the Texan explained and led them towards the small clearing. The mountain air was cooler than they were used to and Vin knew they’d be protected from the winds that sometimes ripped through the area by the wall of rock that loomed up on three sides of the creek.

 

Chris drifted in and out of sleep, never fully giving in to his body’s need for rest as they traveled the rough terrain. He opened his eyes to the sound of the wagon hitting the water. Leaning up, he muttered a curse as he forgot about the broken arm and ribs and moved too quickly.

 

“Perhaps you would be more comfortable if you remained in a reclining position,” Standish suggested and saw the green eyes glaze over with pain. “We’re about to make camp.”

 

“Thank God,” Larabee spat as he settled against the pillows. “You all right?”

 

“I’m afraid this trip has unavoidably jostled my injury and I am in dreadful pain, but I’m sure it is nothing compared to your own discomfort.”

 

“Discomfort? Is that what you c…call this?” Larabee quipped as they made it across the shallow creek and into the hidden recess.

 

“Chris, Ezra, you two stay put until we get camp set up!” Jackson ordered as he climbed out of the wagon and came around to check on his patients.

 

“I can…”

 

“Stay put!” Jackson interrupted Standish’ protest and hurried to help with the camp.

 

“He can be quite the tyrant,” the gambler whispered softly.

 

“With us he sometimes has to be,” Larabee answered in the same tone.

 

“He’s a man who is very passionate about his chosen field of expertise.”

 

“Yeah…he is. I don’t think I ever met a man so ready and willing to give so much of himself,” the blond agreed tiredly.

 

“Would you call that a weakness?”

 

“In anyone else, maybe, but in Nathan Jackson I’d call it a gift,” Larabee said and the two men lapsed into silence while their friends set up camp. Chris opened his eyes when a hand touched his shoulder and he forced a thin smile to his face as Wilmington offered to help him out of the wagon.

 

“Nate’s got your bedroll all set up, but he said you could walk around a little and stretch your legs before he takes a look at your back and gets you settled for the night.”

 

“Shit, not sure I can walk much. Legs are stiff,” Larabee explained.

 

“Yeah, figured as much. Nate says we’ll have to make more stops tomorrow just so you don’t get too stiff.”

 

“Where’s Ezra?”

 

“Call of nature,” Wilmington answered simply.

 

“Shit…”

 

“Maybe,” the mustached man chuckled.

 

“Don’t make me laugh, Buck!”

 

“Oh, sorry, forgot. What about you?”

 

“W…what a…about me?” Larabee asked when he finally stood on shaky legs.

 

“You know…nature and answering the call.”

 

“Yeah, just point me in the right d…direction.”

 

“Do you need…”

 

“Say it, Buck, and I swear you’ll never have to answer that particular call again!”

 

“Ouch! Just over that way,” Wilmington said and followed a few feet behind his friend. He stopped as Standish returned and watched the gambler make his way to the campfire the tracker had started. He watched as Jackson fidgeted with the conman’s shoulder and made sure everything was okay.

 

“Is he okay?” Tanner asked, nodding towards the brush.

 

“Think so,” Wilmington said as Larabee rejoined them.

 

“You two still here?” the blond asked as he made the painful trek to the campfire. The mattress had been pulled from the back of the wagon and was set up next to the fire.

 

“Got no where else ta go right now!” Tanner answered and moved in beside his friend as Wilmington moved to the other. They watched as Larabee sank onto the mattress and reached for the cup Jackson held out to him.

 

“Chris, I put some laudanum in there and before you ask the answer is no whiskey,” Jackson said as Larabee screwed up his face at the bitter taste. He quickly served up some bacon and biscuits and placed it on the injured man’s lap. He knew the blond was hurting as he lifted a biscuit and ate slowly. Within an hour Nathan had finished checking Larabee and settled him onto the mattress where the man promptly fell into a laudanum- induced sleep.

 

At midnight Buck woke Vin to take the next watch and the tracker quickly did a patrol of the perimeter. The lanky Texan settled himself on the edge of the wagon and watched over the sleeping men. It wasn’t long before he felt someone watching him and locked eyes with the gunslinger. No words were necessary, just a look, a nod, and a smile that said everything was as it should be and that the seven would soon be whole again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris sat on the landing of Nathan’s clinic and watched as the people of his town moved along the street. Since returning to Four Corners a week ago he’d been struck with fever once more from the wound in his lower back, but he was once more healing with the help of his friends. The sound of footsteps brought his attention to the stairs and he smiled as Ezra joined him and quickly handed over his silver flask. Chris took several quick swallows and sighed contentedly as he licked his lips.

 

“Thanks, Ezra.”

 

“Anytime, Mr. Larabee. Does Mr. Jackson know you’re out here availing yourself of such a wondrous day?”

 

“Yep, sure does and as soon as I have another shot of your whiskey I’m taking a stroll down to the saloon.”

 

“Ah, so our esteemed healer has deemed you fit…”

 

“Well, he didn’t quite say that, but he knows I’m not staying at the clinic any longer. I guess he figures I’ll be a better patient if I have some freedom.”

 

“Ah, yes, freedom is something we all need. If you don’t mind I would like to buy you the first drink,” Standish said.

 

“Sorry, Ezra, but the first drink is on me. I heard what you did.”

 

“What I did? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

 

“Heard you sent the money back to the Cross’.”

 

“I did what any man would do under the circumstances.”

 

“No, Ezra, not many men would give away the money they won fair and square.”

 

“I didn’t…”

 

“Ezra, I watched you that night and you didn’t need to cheat to beat those men. You won their money and if not for Andrew Cross being a cheat and a thief none of this would have happened.”

 

“The money was not his to gamble.”

 

“But you didn’t know that at the time. You didn’t have to give the money back and it proves something I’ve known for a while now.”

 

“That would be?” Standish asked.

 

“That you’re a fraud! That behind that cool façade there beats the heart of a man I’m proud to call friend.” Larabee held out his injured arm and accepted the conman’s handshake.

 

“Thank you, Chris.”

 

“You’re welcome, now let’s go get that drink,” Larabee said as the two made their way towards the stairs. The events of the last month would remain with them for a long time as would the family ties they’d made with the other five peacekeepers.